Finding the Right Home!

With all the choices in the Beaverton, Michigan and Gladwin, Michigan market, or really anywhere how do you go about finding the right home? It seems the more research you do the more alternatives you discover.

It's important to visualize your needs and plan ahead. Know what you want in a home, what's important to you, and what you can live without. Many buyers start out with champagne taste and a beer budget , so it's important to be realistic.

Where and what you buy will affect you for as long as you live in the house. Get your priorities in order before you start looking or even talk to a real estate broker.

For first time buyers this is a new experience, so it's especially important to do your homework. If you currently own a home, you know exactly what's lacking. You may need another bedroom or bathroom, or a good school nearby.

First decide where you want to live. A big part of the answer hinges on where and how you earn your living. You should practice the commute before you make a commitment.

People with children have other major considerations: school and safety. With school of choice in Michigan you can send your children to whichever school you choose, assuming you can easily arrange transportation. On the other hand, a lavish public school system may indicate high local real estate taxes. Check them out.

Obviously, lifestyle is an important consideration. People who frequently dine out, go dancing, attend shows probably belong in the city or nearby. People who enjoy the outdoors, hunting, fishing, water sports belong near the woods or water. In other words, make sure you're in close proximity to the things that matter most.

It used to be that homes came in limited variety, but today, you have many choices. In addition to the traditional single-family home, you can buy a townhouse or condo.

Affordability can be a factor not only in the type of housing, but whether it's new or an existing home. Older houses often have fine woodwork or interesting nooks and crannies not normally found in new homes. They generally sit on lots or land with mature trees and grown bushes.

Brand new homes may cost more, but you can make many more decisions on amenities, colors, carpeting and fixtures. Make sure you're dealing with a reputable builder, and have an attorney review all documents.

Selecting a real estate professional is an important first step in beginning your search. Ask for personal recommendations to find an individual who is knowledgeable about the neighborhood (preferabbly lives within the community) and has access to the local Multiple Listing Service. Make sure you feel confident about his or her ability, knowledge and skills. Understand the business relationship that you establish between you.

Loose is one of more than 50,000 members of the Real Estate Buyers Agent Council (REBAC) of theNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS, who have attained the Accredited Buyers Representative (ABR) designation. As the world's largest association of real estate professionals focusing specifically on representing the real estate buyer, REBAC is "The Voice for Buyer Representation," with more than 50,000 active real estate professional members of the organization throughout the world.

If you are hoping to find the right home for you and your family in the Beaverton, Michigan, Gladwin, Michigan or surrounding areas please contact me today via email at sonya@sonyaloose.com, via cell phone at 989-429-2600, or visit my website at www.buyorsellwithsonya.com. I look forward to providing you "The Right Result!"